Emerald Ash Borer 

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), was first reported in Hudson in July 2018, in the commercial area along I-94.  EAB is a metallic green beetle ½ inch in length that is native to NE Asia.  The immature larvae (or worm) stage of the insect feeds on the inner bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.  See the 30 second video “EAB Life Cycle” below.

Symptoms of EAB-infested trees include thinning or dying branches in the upper canopy, branch sprouts along the trunk and main branches, outer bark flecking (lightening) from larvae feeding by woodpeckers, and vertical bark splits. 


When EAB was first found in St Paul in 2009, the City of Hudson began proactive management of EAB.  A 2010 complete public tree inventory found 1,400 ash trees along city streets and in parks, 25% of all public trees.  In 2015, the City began to remove select ash trees throughout the community to spread the financial impacts over a 10 year period. The current inventory stands at 300.   

City of Hudson to remove remaining Ash  

The City of Hudson has a three-year plan to remove the remaining 300 ash trees in the City’s right of way and public spaces. The City will contract removals for those trees that are larger than the City’s equipment and staff expertise can handle safely. Stump grinding and restoration will follow the removals.  At this time, the city plans to start the stump grinding process in 2026.

 What to expect if your tree is marked for removal?

  • The tree in the right of way will be sprayed with a red dot or X and be put on a list to be removed. 
  • The City or the City’s tree contractor will remove the tree soon after the tree is marked. 

What if the tree has been treated?  

City staff will continue to monitor the health of the tree and remove it if the tree becomes infected in the future.  The City of Hudson is no longer treating any trees in the right of way or parks system as all financial resources have been allocated to removals, restoration, and replanting.  

PLANTING

The City plans to start an aggressive replanting program in 2026 to replant a majority the 1,400 ash trees that will be lost to EAB.  The City will be planting an estimated 100-200 trees within the right of way and parks annually as the budget allows. The City is going to be strategic during the replanting phase to make sure that the trees are clear of obstacles like signs, streetlights, and mailboxes and do not interfere with underground utilities. A replacement tree may not be replanted in the exact location the Ash tree was removed from.  

If the homeowners do not want to wait for the City to replant a tree in the right of way that was removed due to EAB, homeowners may replant a tree at their own expense. Prior to replanting, the homeowner MUST complete and receive approval on the TREE PLANTING PERMIT APPLICATION form and return it to City Hall or email it to mmroz@hudsonwi.gov   

Tree diversity is very important to the urban forest. The City of Hudson plants a variety of trees in the boulevard to combat against tree specific diseases.  A list of recommended trees can be viewed by clicking on these  links:  

 The homeowner is responsible for contacting the Wisconsin’s Diggers Hotline at least 72 hours in advance of digging or excavating by dialing 811 or (800)242-8511. Homeowners may also submit a diggers hotline request online at

COST

 City Ordinance , Chapter 229 states that it is the City’s responsibility to maintain the trees located in the right of way, therefore, there is no cost to the adjacent property owner for the removal, stump grinding, or restoration work.

What if I have an ash tree on my property besides those in the right of way?

The cost to treat or remove a private tree is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Important Information for Residents

Use these resources to learn how to identify ash trees, understand treatment options and decide whether your ash tree is worth saving:

Find more complete and detailed information at "Wisconsin's EAB Information Source"